2024 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination

Vaccination is the most important measure to prevent influenza and its complications.
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all people from 6 months of age.
It is recommended people receive their annual influenza vaccination before the start of the influenza season, typically June to September in most parts of Australia.
Protection after vaccination is generally expected to last throughout the year with optimal protection occurring in the first 3 to 4 months after vaccination.

Eligibility for free influenza vaccine

Free seasonal influenza vaccine is funded for the following groups at higher risk of complications from influenza:

all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
all children aged 6 months to less than 5 years of age (including Aboriginal and medically at risk)
all individuals aged 5 years and over with medical risk conditions, namely:
- cardiac disease, including cyanotic congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure
- chronic respiratory conditions, including suppurative lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and severe asthma
- other chronic illnesses requiring regular medical follow up or hospitalisation in the previous year, including diabetes mellitus, chronic metabolic diseases, chronic renal failure, and haemoglobinopathies
- chronic neurological conditions that impact on respiratory function, including multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and seizure disorders
- impaired immunity, including HIV, malignancy and chronic steroid use
- children aged 6 months to 10 years on long term aspirin therapy
pregnant women (influenza vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy)
people aged 65 years and over (vaccine that is specifically designed to produce a higher immune response is available for this group).